Dubai’s latest edition of the House of the Future competition invites architects and designers worldwide to submit designs for adaptable, sustainable homes suited for the UAE’s unique environment. Announced by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation and the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, this year’s competition emphasizes resilience, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Organized in partnership with Buildner, the competition outlines several criteria for submissions. Designs must:
- Reflect the UAE’s cultural heritage.
- Be adaptable to environmental changes.
- Use sustainable building materials.
- Include at least three bedrooms.
- Be expandable for future needs.
- Stay within a construction budget of AED800,000.
Prizes and Rewards
The competition offers a total prize pool of AED1 million:
- First Prize: AED500,000.
- Second Prize: AED200,000.
- Third Prize: AED100,000.
- Special Innovation Prize: AED200,000 for the most creative use of sustainable materials.
Implementation and Future Projects
In addition to cash prizes, selected designs may be integrated into future housing developments by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, which will also offer technical and engineering support. Winning entries will be featured on the Darek platform, providing UAE citizens with affordable, time-efficient options for building their own homes.
Background and Global Reach
The first House of the Future competition, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, attracted significant international attention, receiving over 3,500 submissions from 140 countries. Organizers hope this year’s competition will generate similarly innovative ideas for housing that meets the UAE’s evolving needs.
Submission Details
Architects and designers interested in participating can submit their designs until June 2, 2025. Full details and submission guidelines are available at houseofthefuture.ae and architecturecompetitions.com/houseofthefuture2. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation will oversee the competition’s implementation in collaboration with both local and global partners.
